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KKR Hit by Double Pace Blow Ahead of IPL 2026
21 Mar
Summary
- Matheesha Pathirana will miss early IPL 2026 matches due to a calf strain.
- Harshit Rana's participation is uncertain due to a knee injury from warm-ups.
- Coach Abhishek Nayar confirmed Pathirana's expected return around mid-April.
The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are grappling with significant injury concerns for key fast bowlers just days before the IPL 2026 season begins. Matheesha Pathirana, a prominent Sri Lankan pacer, is set to miss the initial phase of the tournament due to a calf strain sustained during the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026.
Head coach Abhishek Nayar confirmed that Pathirana is undergoing rehabilitation with the Sri Lankan cricket board and is anticipated to be match-fit around mid-April. This news adds to KKR's worries, as Harshit Rana, another vital bowler, also faces an uncertain future in the league. Rana suffered a knee injury during a T20 World Cup 2026 warm-up match against South Africa.
Nayar acknowledged the severity of Rana's potential absence, stating it's a 'big blow' given his consistent contributions over the past seasons, including their championship run. The team management is currently evaluating several bowlers to fill the void left by Rana and is expected to identify a suitable replacement soon.
